Not only have I made it into the double digits, but I’m officially a third of the way through with this project—it’s been an interesting ride so far. But it’s not over yet, kids!

Today, I was instructed to change my perspective. The Frisky suggested going to a women’s art exhibit to see how women have a different take on the world. Well, after I put my new single girl dress to use last night, I was a bit to hungover to look all cute for a feminism rally.

So, I decided to check out women I admire—women writers. And I did so in the comfort of my own home, thank you very much.

Below is what I discovered from my intense research session.

1. Natalie Krinsky—I mentioned her book yesterday, as one of my favorites: Chloe Does Yale. However, that’s not her only accomplishment. Krinsky went to Yale University, where she wrote the column “Sex and the (Elm) City” for the school paper, The Yale Daily News. It was this column that got me hooked. Krinsky was one of the first college columnists to bring sex to the forefront, and she did so in such clever ways. Her column was loved by her fellow Yalies, along with nearly 200,000 readers online. Get it, girl! She then wrote Chloe Does Yale, which is a novel about a girl who attends an ivy league college and writes a sex column…yes, it’s been said that these are simply Krinsky’s memoirs. For the past few years, Krinsky has been living and dating in Los Angeles, and is now a contributing writer for…The Frisky!

2. Cindy Guidry—Her memoir, The Last Single Woman in America, was one of the first memoirs I ever read. And to this day, I’d say it’s one of the funniest. Oddly enough, Guidry is from New Orleans, and then moved to California in her early twenties. Her book was written after she split from her potential husband, while she takes a journey to discover modern relationships. I pray to all that is holy Guidry is working on a second book.

3. Sherry Argov—All hail this woman genius! Argov is the author of Why Men Love Bitches and Why Men Marry Bitches. If you haven’t read either of these, get your hands on a copy ASAP. Argov has the gospel for women everywhere. In her book, based off interviews with men, she explains the importance of being a bitch to get what you want. However, Argov’s bitch isn’t the one you’re thinking of. This bitch is one that would never chase a guy, or never go out of her way to please a man. Her life is complete without a man; sort of an opposite look at “No More Mr. Nice Guy.”

4. Chelsea Handler—I don’t know how it happened, but I guess I got addicted to Chelsea Lately, and decided to read her second book, Are You There Vodka, It’s Me Chelsea. It is a memoir, mainly about her hilarious stories of growing up in a rather unique family. I then read her first novel, My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One Night Stands. This book is smart and hilarious; each chapter is the story of a new man in her life, all with some miserable failure. I have yet to read her newest book, Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang, but have heard nothing but great reviews.

5. Lauren Weedman—I read her collection of essays, A Woman Trapped in a Woman’s Body (Tales from a Life of Cringe) after my bestie Sheena recommended it to me. While I love her writing, I see from her website that she’s done a TON of other things. She has done several off-Broadway shows, and appeared in Reno 911, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and apparently made her debut on The Daily Show. Who knew? I just wish she would write more!

Now, did this assignment change my life? No. I’ve always considered myself a strong woman, aware of the things I can accomplish in life. However, it’s nice to be reminded of all these great books I’ve read…and I’m pumped that I have new Natalie Krinsky material to read!

I’m also just glad I made it through Day 10 alive and well, aside from the ice pack on my ass cheek. Don’t ask.

The Squeeze

The Bitter Lemon is home to lifestyle writer, editor, and author, Holly A. Phillips. She's an obsessive dreamer, TV-addict, and a relentless blogger, who's recently taken up casual calligraphy. She currently lives in Austin, Texas with her cat, Blanche Devereaux.